Firefighting Techniques

Question 1

What are the primary boundaries?

Answer 1

• Generally set at fire zone bulkheads or watertight subdivisions
• Minimum fume-tight for Main Space Fire
• All 6 sides of affected space (bulkheads, overhead and deck closest to the fire.
• MUST BE ON VERTICAL BOUNDARY (3-4 min fire could spread to the space above the fire [post flashover])
• Repair party leader’s decision to man fire boundaries with hoses.

Question 2

What are the actions taken by the primary boundaryman?

Answer 2

• REMOVE all combustibles away from boundary
• COOL to prevent rapid steam build-up and increased risk of steam burns, the firefighter should use initial bursts of water which may be as short as 1-2 seconds; The pattern should be about 4 feet in diameter.
• CLOSE all accesses, maintain Zebra
  (SCBA worn by boundarymen as required, may be manned by a single person with 1 1/2 inch hose)

Question 3

Secondary Boundary?

Answer 3

• Next bulkhead, overhead and deck outside the primary boundary
• Manned when fire spreads past primary boundaries.

Question 4

Smoke Boundaries?

Answer 4

Set by closing doors and hatches
- Smoke curtains and smoke blankets can be used to maintain smoke boundaries. (welding curtains, fire resistant blankets, wool blankets, or canvas can be used if smoke curtains are not available)

Question 5

Smoke Control Zone?

Answer 5

Area between primary and secondary smoke boundaries.
- Breathing device required in smoke control zone

Question 6

Fire zone?

Answer 6

Just a slide to look at

Question 7

Space Isolation?

Answer 7

Electrical Isolation
- Lighting/Ventilation
- Tactical exceptions
Mechanical Isolation
- Firefighting Equipment

Question 8

What will be on compartment isolation lists (kill cards)?

Answer 8

• Electrical
• Mechanical
• Ventilation
• DC equipment
• Hazardous materials
• Water, air, and oil tight closures

Question 9

What is the job of the On-Scene Leader (OSL)?

Answer 9

In charge of firefighting at the scene (normally located outside the primary fire boundary).
- Communicates with the Repair Party Leader
- Sized up the fire
- Determines method of attack
- Determines protective clothing requirements
- Determines if active de-smoking is required
- Monitors hose team reliefs
- Directs electrical isolation

Question 10

How many people are required to man a 1 1/2 inch hose?

Answer 10

one person
sustained operations require 2, in addition to a nozzleman

Question 11

How many people are required to man a 2 1/2 inch hose?

Answer 11

four people, in addition to a nozzleman

Question 12

nozzleman job?

Answer 12

• Direct stream where desired
• Must do so with appropriate pattern
• Use the appropriate flow rate

Question 13

Different streams for nozzle handling?

Answer 13

• Straight / used in direct attack. (Also good to penetrate and break up burned Class “A” material for overhaul. [100ft at 100PSI])
• Narrow angle fog / (30 degrees) General firefighting pattern (Good for providing a “push” to flame fronts [50ft at 100PSI])
• Medium Angle / (60 degrees) (Used to interrupt the thermal layer in the roll over stage of a fire)
• Wide angle / (90 degrees) (Good heat absorption, used for personnel protection [5-10 fetter at 100 PSI])

Question 14

Space re-entry?

Answer 14

Position firefighters on the non-hinged side of door, hoseline ready. STAY LOW!
- When door is opened, if fire shows or rolls out, direct water fog at the doorway overhead for cooling and control of escaping gases.
- When conditions permit, Team Leader enter the space and assess conditions. REMAIN LOW!
- Sweep deck with hose stream to clear debris, cool hot surfaces and burning materials, prevent burns and damage to hose lines.

Question 15

Fire fighting attack options?

Answer 15

-Direct (short bursts, narrow angle)
-Fog (medium angel/short bursts, rollover, seat of fire obstructed, Mutiple seats of fire, delay or prevent flashover)
-Indirect (conditions deny access, apply from a cracked open access or hole cut in deck, follow immediately with direct attack)
-Venting (cut hole in access above fire, min 12x12”)

Question 16

On-Scene Leader factors to consider?

Answer 16

• Is the initial attack unsuccessful
• Is it likely that the fire attack will go on for an extended period of time
• Is smoke or heat spreading to spaces beyond the fire space impeding the attack on the fire

Question 17

Repair Party Leader considerations?

Answer 17

• Big picture & makes a decision
• looks at manpower
• looks at the complexity of rigging